Gov. Christine Gregoire, a Democrat, signed a law Wednesday granting domestic partners in Washington more than 170 rights and benefits traditionally reserved for married couples.
The law, which goes into effect June 12, covers community property, guardianship and powers of attorney. The measure was sponsored by Democrats Sen. Ed Murray and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, both openly gay members of the Legislature.
Jenny Tyree, associate marriage analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said Washington's law now resembles California's, which mirrors traditional marriage in every way but the name.
"Domestic partnerships blur the lines of family law until marriage — our most pro-child institution — is meaningless," she said.
